Vehicle Description
1969 GMC C1500 Pickup
Beginning in 1920, GMC and Chevrolet trucks became largely similar,
built as variants of the same platform, sharing much the same body
sheetwork, except for nameplates and grilles - though their
differences, especially engines, have varied over the years. GMC
advertising marketed its trucks to commercial buyers and
businesses, whereas Chevrolet's advertising was directed towards
private owners. Beginning in 1928, GMCs used Pontiac's 186 cu in
six-cylinder engines in their lighter trucks. Medium-duty trucks
relied on Oldsmobile straight-6 engines, while the heaviest trucks
used GMC's own "Standard Big Brute" engine. From 1939 to 1974 GMC
had its own line of six-cylinder engines, first the inline sixes
known as "Jimmy's" from 1939 to 1959, and then their own V6 from
1960 until 1974, of which a V8 and a V12 version also existed.
Additionally, from 1955 through 1959, the less than 2-ton, domestic
GMC gasoline trucks were equipped with Pontiac V8s, and Oldsmobile
V8s-whereas the Canadian models used Chevrolet engines. GMC
dealerships were partnered with Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick
dealerships.
For consignment, the right year to have GMC C10 due to its clean
lines, and overall attractive look. And this one is even better
because it hasn't been molested, modified, or even repainted, a
survivor if you will. Assembled in sunny California then, according
to our consignor, used as a firetruck then as a camper, this GMC
with its factory build sheet is retaining almost all of its
original charm. With a new main fuel tank and lines, some new
exhaust components, fluid changes, various other maintenance, and a
recent Pennsylvania state inspection this consignor stated, (but
not verifiable), 24,353 miles former worker bee C10 is ready to
become the truck of your dreams.
Exterior
With yellow paint which was applied in the 1969 this truck is
showing with patina, fading, battle scars, and surface rust, but
amazingly very little invasive rust. Save for the bottom of the
doors and leading edge of the underside of the hood, all is solid.
The original grille presents nicely with its quad outboard
headlamps and rippled but shiny bumper below. The gaps are just
slightly off, however overall, its straight and the panels are all
steel. Various holes, drilled not rust, are noted throughout the
body and are from different iterations through the truck's life.
Twin accessory doors, along with an electrical hook up have been
added to the 8' bed sides and on the inside, we note a surface
rusted and well used steel bed floor. Standard 15" steel wheels
with full GMC wheel covers hold the truck to the road and are
wrapped in like new blackwall rubber.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see molded vinyl panels mixing with
yellow steel. The black vinyl has embossed Sheridan Style carving.
A simple black rubber mat is below, and a body colored ribbed steel
roof is above creating a truly great color combination. Slipping
inside we are met with a tear free sprawling bench seat with
textured black vinyl bolsters and nice gray cloth inserts. The
Sheridan pattern appears down the center of the seat back and runs
forward along the bottom cushion. The original soiled 2 spoke
steering wheel fronts the black padded top all steel dash in
yellow. In front of the driver is a black cluster surround with a
bevy of gauges and in the center, we see the factory AM radio along
with the chrome AC/heat slides. On the floor next to the driver's
seat is a travel tank switch which allows you to run from the main
fuel tank or either of the added extended range fuel tanks.
Drivetrain
Resting in the surface rust and patinaed engine bay we see the
original 396ci V8. We see some of the original orange/red paint
peeking through the patina on the valve covers and intake manifold
but all else is covered in a fine coating of rust that only comes
with age and lack of use. A 4bbl carburetor feeds this big block
mill, making an impressive 310hp. Sending the power to the 12 bolt
rear axle is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission.
Undercarriage
Unrestored and patina riddled is the presentation for the
underside. Surface rust has appeared on nearly every surface, but
no invasive rust is noted. Independent coil spring suspension is on
for the front, while a leaf spring arrangement provides the ride in
the rear. All new power drum brakes are on all 4 corners and a new
exhaust system with a new passenger manifold is noted. Twin
auxiliary fuel tanks are now on under the bed for those long, long
hauls.
Drive-ability
I made my way behind the wheel of this GMC and with the turn of the
key and the candles were instantly lit. The truck runs smoothly,
sounds fantastic, and handles surprisingly well for a truck and
with power steering and brakes, make it really drivable. The only
fault I noticedduring my time behind the wheel was the AC being
inoperable, but otherwise this is a nicely functioning rig.
A solid honest truck with a bit of an interesting history. Still
presenting with its original body, paint and interior, this truck
can be anything you want it to be. Preserve the patina, maybe a
full blown frame off restoration, or even take this back to its
fire truck glory days...hmmmm I've always wanted to drive a
firetruck...
CE10DZA11087
C-4x2
E-V8
10-1/2 Ton
D-Pickup
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
A-1969
11087-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
